How can I make my guinea pig healthier?

Question

He's 4, and just sits in his cage all day. We tried getting him a round-a-bout ball, but all he does is sit in it and pee. :( We also fertilize our grass, so I can't let him in the backyard to eat it. Suggestions?

Answer 1

NEVER put guinea pigs in a round about ball! Guinea pigs can and have injured their spines severely in them! Guinea pigs have even been killed from injuries in those balls. Their backs do not bend in that direction naturally like a hamster's or rat's.

Honestly, there are three basic things that will make your guinea pig exercise and be healthy. A friend, floortime, and a proper cage. Most four year olds even will run around and popcorn with these things!

Guinea pigs are herd animals and hate to live alone. They don't have anything to do! With a friend they'll play, chase each other, and be generally so much happier. A friend is THE best possible toy a guinea pig could have.

Time to run in a supervised play area a few times a week is very beneficial to a guinea pig's health. They'll especially make good use of this time if they have a friend. A playpen works great! This should be larger than the cage area and the change of scenery excites guinea pigs a whole lot!

You probably have a cage bought from a petstore, yes? A common complaint when using these is that the guinea pig seems lazy/bored. It's because he doesn't have the proper room to run! Look at the cage you have. If you were him, would you be inclined to run around? Are you inclined to run around in a closet? These cages are cheap, easy to make, and provide the correct amount of room for your guinea pig: http://www.cavycages.com